Plans of stopping at Paradise came to a stand still this weekend. Since I had conveniently forgotten that we had a festival of lights business this poya weekend. Woke up late on Saturday morning and my mother calls from Chennai (she has been there for two weeks now). She was like hope u got everything ready for light festival thing (Karthikai Deepam). Oh damn I had forgotten. Pretended I had everything under control (not).
This light festival falls right after Deepavali and is on Poya in the month of November. Still not sure the real reason why it’s done. But most Hindus light all these lamps all round the house garden and its really colorful. Called up sister in law she said she had gotten early dawn to start preparations this was at two pm
So I slowly started the preparation at 4 and was done by six. My mum in laws all spend the whole day dragging and doing all this customs. We are supposed to make these rice dumplings and pray. Well did that too and for once the dumplings came out quite nicely and was perfect. When I was in Chennai last had got these really beautiful Lamps and had fun setting them out on Rangoli** (this is beautiful patterns drawn in front of the house). The house was really like Wesak Come early and the neighbors wanted to know what it was about (the neighbors ask this every year and I just bluff my way through as special poya). Kids asked questions bluffed my way through them too. Have to hunt the Hindu rituals book or ask my mom what it’s all about.
** rangoli these are intricate beautiful patterns which can be drawn and fun. In India it’s a huge thing where all girls learn the art of it. This is mainly to draw in front of the house. If u aint an artist like me, this is the easy way to try your hand at being one. Very simple with dots put out and logical way of connecting them to make beautiful patterns.
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